Congrats to our guy Zach Wood ⚜️
The #Saints have signed long snapper Zach Wood to a four-year contract extension ✍️ pic.twitter.com/b42d7i2YR6
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 28, 2023
Now that’s what you like to see: the New Orleans Saints announced a four-year contract extension with long snapper Zach Wood, tying him to the team through 2027. Wood was one of several players we highlighted as priorities for new deals this summer, having become one of the team’s most underrated assets for his steady work on special teams. His presence is appreciated by teammates Wil Lutz and Blake Gillikin, who joined him for the formal signing at the team facility on Friday.
Wood’s arrival to New Orleans was more tumultuous than you’d expect. Back in 2017, the Saints were so unsatisfied with a training camp competition between Thomas Gafford and Chase Dominguez that they released both players and brought back veteran snapper Justin Drescher, who appeared to have lost his touch. That led them to trade for Philadelphia Eagles fan-favorite Jon Dorenbos — only to rush him into heart surgery after discovering a career-ending aortic aneurysm during his physical. Wood took part in a group tryout just days before the regular season started, won a roster spot, and he hasn’t looked back since.
This is the second extension the Saints have signed with Wood, now 30 years old; he previously inked a four-year deal back in 2020 after playing out his rookie contract. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that Wood received $2.3 million in guarantees, which would rank among the highest figures in league history for a long snapper (New York Jets specialist Thomas Hennessy currently leads the NFL with just over $2.6 million, per Over The Cap records). Hopefully Wood can continue to do his job well and be a part of the solution for New Orleans.
